CALZAGHE ENJOYS STADIUM EXPERIENCE

13 March 2006 16:28

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The 33-year-old undisputed world champion was given a rapturous welcome by a packed 74,000 crowd at the home of Welsh sport as he led the Wales team onto the field before their Six Nations clash with Italy. Having battered Jeff Lacy to defeat in Manchester last weekend, Calzaghe is now unbeaten in 43 pro fights stretching back over 13 years.

"To finally get the recognition I deserve is fantastic," said Calzaghe. "It's fantastic to be at the Millennium Stadium, to sample the atmosphere, especially as I might be back here in July.

"There is a good chance my next fight could be here. Frank Warren says it looks as though he could get the fight on. If it's Roy Jones Junior then that's great. He isn't the fighter he once was, but he's still a legend. There aren't many bigger names than Roy Jones in the fight game.

"I've always said it was an ambition of mine to fight at the Millennium Stadium. Now it looks as though it could become a reality. I made my professional debut at the old Cardiff Arms Park some 13 years ago. That was a bitterly cold night - hopefully it'll be a bit warmer if I come back in July.

"I've always loved coming to the Millennium Stadium to watch rugby and soccer. It's always a great occasion here."

Merthyr secured the league and cup double on Saturday after adding the Principality Premiership title with one game to spare, just two weeks after lifting the National Cup title at Principality Stadium.

More than 50 school, college, club, social and representative teams from all over Wales enjoyed one of the best experiences of their lives over the last fortnight, playing a final or community match on the Principality Stadium pitch.

The WRU Plate final had a lot to live up to after a stunning Bowl final, but Brynmawr and Nant Conwy produced another corker. The north Walians saw their 19-7 lead evaporate as Brynmawr stormed to a 50-29 victory

Porthcawl and Pembroke served up a real thriller in the WRU Bowl final at Principality Stadium on Sunday. Pembroke trailed 27-5 before staging a remarkabe comeback but Porthcawl had the final say with an injury time penalty to earn a 33-31 victory.

Nant Conwy head coach Kevin Thomas and Ifan Jones look forward to Sunday's WRU National Plate final where they say it is a 'massive day out for the club and community' as they prepare to tackle Brynmawr at Principality Stadium

Merthyr coach Dale McIntosh and second row Craig Locke look to draw on their experiences playing in the WRU National Cup Final to help Merthyr lift the title for the first time this Sunday when they face Newport at Principality Stadium.

More than 250 members of Girlguiding Cymru recently added a Rugby Participation Badge to their collection by taking part in a fun festival at Cardiff Met. The WRU is working with Girlguiding Cymru to provide new opportunities for girls and make connections with the girls-only rugby clusters around Wales.